V5Ch5: Olympic Games Part 2

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Translator: Soafp

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“Yaa, it's a nice day again today, isn't it?”

In that healthy smile, there was no trace of the usual lewdness. It was early in the morning, but it was already hot. Given that the temperature was going to rise even more, the time suitable for exercise was limited during this summer period.

For me, the options are usually early morning or night. Occasionally, there are evenings, but given the season, sudden heavy rains can occur, so it’s not really recommended.

I maintained a steady rhythm. The Imperial Palace is famous as a runner's sanctuary, and I thought it would be nice to try running there once. I spoke to the person running beside me.

“Is this why you asked about the time?”

“Well, it's just that I also run regularly, so I thought I'd match the time. Even though it's a daily routine, it's always nice to have someone to talk to while running.”

“I'm just feeling anxious.”

“Why's that? It's clear and sunny today.”

The message from my nemesis, Kedou-senpai, came last night. Apparently, she had seen me running a few times and invited me to join her.

There was no particular reason to refuse. Though he often violates regulations with his behavior, he is the student council president at our school. This school's done for.

But surprisingly, it seems I'm the only one who thinks so. The general opinion about Kedou-senpai is quite high. It might be justified, but to me, she feels like a dangerous person—a case of “no harm in not touching, but even if you don't touch, there might be harm”—that kind of thing.

After running about five kilometers, I switched from running to walking to catch my breath. After hydrating with a sports drink, I walked for a while longer until I finally took a break.

“So, how long does the president usually run for?”

“About the same. It's hot this time of year, so I keep it short to avoid overdoing it.”

“Did I end up being a bother?”

If that's the case, then I feel sorry. Heatstroke is dangerous.

“It's not a bother at all. It's just right. By the way, if you'd like, you can come over to my house to freshen up. I have spare clothes ready, so you don't need to worry.”

“I'm concerned for other reasons, so I'll pass.”

“No, no, no! I don't want you to refuse! If you don't come, I'll be upset!”

“Even if you start whining like that, I'm not going to run with you again.”

“Really!?”

She seemed unexpectedly shocked. It's worth trying.

“So, President, why did you suddenly invite me?”

“I had no other intentions. I just wanted to show off my abs.”

“What's with this girl?”

Saying that, she showed off his abs. The president's abs were perfectly sculpted.

She was a “muscle-bound girl” with smooth, shiny muscles glistening with sweat.

“How is it? Beautiful, right? Feel free to admire them. Many girls don't understand this romance. It's really lonely.”

“Wait, so I was actually invited here for that reason?” stroke, stroke, stroke

“You're touching without hesitation—such a good impression. However, that aside, Yukito, do you have any plans to join the student council while you're at it?”

“The student council? I'm still a first-year, and I thought I heard something that sounded strange… ‘while you're at it'?”

While being engrossed in admiring the abs, I was being recruited for the student council.

“Since Yuri will probably become the student council president next year, there might be new challengers, but… In any case, given the current situation, it's almost certain that you'll be drawn into the student council.”

“Is that so? stroke, stroke“

Despite her notorious arrogance, Kedou-senpai was once the student council president in middle school and has solidified her position in high school as well. Given this, it’s entirely possible.

I really hope there will be strong challengers, but I can only think of Goddess-senpai as a potential competitor for the second-year position. Considering her rise in popularity after being a loner, if she decides to run, she could become a formidable opponent.

“Wouldn't it be good to gain some experience now? I'm not asking for an immediate answer. Just think about it. Yumi would be happy if you joined, too. The position would be my secretary.”

“There's no such position.”

Hmm… This is troublesome. If I'm ordered to join the student council next year by Nee-san, I wouldn't be able to refuse. Even though it's clearly not my thing.

“Fufufu. It seems you really like my abs. Well, let's head to my house. You can touch them as much as you like. But I'm a girl too, so I'm concerned about the sweat. Let's take a shower first.”

“I got carried away because it felt so good!”

She kept pulling me along, but I resisted as best as I could. As expected, her strength from regular training was significant. The power balance between me and Kedou-senpai was equal. A clash in broad daylight.

Suddenly, Kedou-senpai's voice grew somber, and a shadow seemed to fall over her.

“Why don't you ask anything of me? Isn't there anything I can do for you?”

“Are you still worried about that? I already said it's fine.”

“An apology isn't enough to make things right! You should understand that better than anyone.”

Her voice was filled with sorrow. However, her words were undeniably true. Sometimes an apology doesn't make things right. The world is full of irreparable situations. That's why people become fearful.

Even if one apologizes after taking a life, the person cannot be brought back. If the main perpetrator of bullying apologizes, does that mean the bullying is forgiven? That's not the case. The facts don't disappear.

Wounds inflicted on the heart never truly heal. Whether the apology is sincere or superficial, no matter how many empty words are said, they don't make a difference. That's why sins that cross a certain line are translated into forms of punishment like imprisonment or fines.

It might be called an obsessive compulsion. Kedou-senpai's self-punishment seems close to that.

“There's one thing I want to know. Will you help Yumi again?”

“Well, Mikumo-senpai is no longer a stranger. I can't ignore her. But if it were someone else in the same situation, I might abandon them.”

“…I don't have the right to reproach you for that.”

“It's not your place to say, President.”

“What should I do? How can I—”

It seemed that Kedou-senpai was misunderstanding something. And I felt that she was underestimating Mikumo-senpai in some way.

“I was once almost abducted. I don't even know the reason. It was really out of the blue. At that time, I thought, ‘Ah, this world is unreasonably unfair, full of enemies, and always absurd.' So, dealing with it is up to me alone. Relying on others won't change anything. One must act on their own to survive. Only the individual can have that courage.”

“Abducted? When did that happen?”

“A long time ago. So long ago that it might have been better.”

I forced a wry smile. Now, I don't even know which was the right answer.

It's the same with accidents or illnesses. It's the same with circumstances and environments. We're always confronted with such injustices, questioning why it's us.

Someone might come to help. But before clinging to that illusion, one must take action themselves to make a change. Only the person involved can have that courage.

“Mikumo-senpai usually asks President for help, right? Then you should take one more step yourself and ask those around you for help this time. You shouldn't expect an abstract ‘someone' to come to your aid without doing anything. — That's what I think.”

The mood had become somber. To lighten the atmosphere, I cheerfully spoke up.

“Well, I'm heading back now. President, please be careful of the sunlight! Let me touch your abs again next time. Maybe for two hours. See you!”

“Ah, ah. Feel free to touch them anytime.”

[Kedou PoV]

As I watched his retreating figure, memories flashed back. Just like back then, I was overwhelmed with fear, trembling as if the scene before me might disappear at any moment.

“It can’t be…Then the boy from that time…I, I…again…”

The ground felt like it was crumbling with a loud noise, and everything before me turned dark.

---

[Yukito PoV]

In a certain place in Tokyo, inside a dance studio, cardboard boxes are stacked up, creating quite a sight. The studio is spacious, with mirrors on the walls to check movements, and it even has a shower room—everything is well-equipped.

Today, I'm here for a runway practice session that Tristy-san asked me about. The cardboard boxes contain costumes from past events that we've borrowed for this purpose.

Tristy-san and her team are still working on the costumes for the upcoming show, but they're expected to be ready by the event, given there's still plenty of time until November.

Despite being visually striking, it seems that Tristy-san is not very comfortable with standing out and has not had much experience being in the spotlight.

She has been scouted several times while walking around town, but she always declined and left quickly, she said with a wry smile.

The fact that she accepted the offer to model at a student-hosted fashion show was due partly to her friends’ invitation but also to a change in her own mindset.

She decided that taking on new challenges might provide something beneficial for her future. I'm sure Tristy-san will become very popular as a model.

However, it seems that Tristy-san now finds enjoyment in behind-the-scenes work, such as costume creation, and is discovering her own aptitudes. Although she's such a glamorous person, it's not always the case that one's passion and aptitude align perfectly.

It's like a hammer thrower who can throw at 130 km/h (80.78 mph) during the ceremonial pitch.

“Your eyelashes are so long, and your skin is really beautiful.”

“No, stop it, it's embarrassing. But thank you. I'm happy.”

I was doing makeup for Goddess-sensei. The makeup for the other participants was already done, and they had headed to the changing rooms. The voices coming from the changing rooms were cheerful and sounded quite excited.

“You're quite skillful. This is my first time being done up like this by someone else.”

“Is that so? You have a good base, so there's not much I need to do.”

“Hmm. I can see why you have so many female acquaintances. You must be popular. It's not just about skills like these; the way you interact shows respect for others.”

“Well, everyone here is beautiful.”

“That's not what I meant. Your dullness is your only flaw.”

I'm not sure why she thinks I'm popular; I'm not likely to become the life of the party.

“By the way, why was I invited? It's a bit embarrassing to be among students.”

“I'm sorry for the sudden invitation.”

“It's fine since I had the time. You're the only one who invites me to such interesting things.”

In a fashion show, the way one presents oneself is crucial. Even the most stylish clothes won't look appealing if the person wearing them is unremarkable. Goddess-sensei, with her career in a profession where appearance matters and her graceful demeanor, is the ideal model of a stylish woman, which is why I reached out to her.

“A fashion show is a big stage, isn't it? Tristy-san is new to this, and I haven't had this kind of experience either, so I thought I could use the expertise of someone experienced in big stages like Goddess-sensei.”

“The courtroom is not a big stage!”

“I thought it might be similar.”

“It's completely different!”

For someone used to grand stages like Goddess-sensei, a student-hosted fashion show should be a piece of cake. To the outside observer, Goddess-sensei's fashion sense is exceptional, and as the goddess of the courtroom, her beauty is overwhelming, making her an impeccable choice.

“…Um, the boxes I brought—oh, here they are.”

Yuri-san, who had just come out of the changing room, picked up the intended costumes from the boxes.

“I also brought some costumes. Look forward to them.”

“Thank you, Yuri-san.”

“Don’t mention it. It’s your request, so of course, I'd help out.”

Yuri-san exudes kindness, an invisible high-dimensional energy, from her whole body.

When I asked her to model for the fashion show practice, she agreed without hesitation. She's an absolute angel.

Although Yuri-san has zero desire for self-promotion and is uninvolved with social media, she gained significant buzz from her appearances in the “Tensubasu” commercial. It’s a point of pride for me as her brother!

In addition to Yuri-san, we also have Tristy-san, Mio-san, and Goddess-sensei involved, making it a total of six people gathered here, including me.

“Well then, I’ll go change.”

Yuri-san heads to the dressing room again. We’ve already discussed the details.

On the floor, there are taped marks indicating the stage area, with designated spots for turns and so on. The costumes for the fashion show prioritize design over functionality, so some outfits have limited movement.

My role is mainly as a general helper and audience, but I'll be checking walking postures and advising on how to stand to showcase the costumes beautifully. Although I'm not an expert on costumes, proper posture is my specialty, and as a personal trainer, I can offer guidance.

“But, I'm looking forward to it and feeling excited too.”

Saying this, Goddess-sensei heads to the changing room. Tristy-san and the others are also changing into their outfits.

In addition to the costumes, everyone also brought their casual clothes. Even though it’s a runway practice, a bit of casual fun is acceptable. It's also a chance to enhance my own knowledge, given my limited perspective.

“Yukito-kun, we're ready!”

“Got it!”

From the changing room, Tristy-san's voice comes through. I lower the lights in the non-stage areas and play some upbeat background music. The runway area is covered with a sheet to protect the flooring from damage due to the heels.

With the music playing, Tristy-san walks slowly onto the runway. Dressed in sporty half-pants, a hoodie, and a cap, her tall stature synergizes perfectly with the outfit.

“So cute! It's perfect!”

“Really? Yay!”

She twirls around. Whether it’s her athleticism or the way she carries herself, she looks stunning.

Thus, the fashion show (temporary) begins.

“How does it look, Yukito-kun?” 

“It's perfect!”

I cheer for Mio-san in her girly outfit (though I don't quite understand it). 

“This is my first time wearing something like this, so I'm really nervous.” 

“It's perfect!”

I cheer for Goddess-senpai in her feminine outfit (though I don't quite understand it). 

“How do I look? Does it suit me?” 

“It's perfect!”

I cheer for Goddess-sensei in her conservative outfit (though I don't quite understand it). 

“Pien.” 

“I'm not sure how to react when you say that with a serious face.”

I send a question to Yuri-san in her “Gyaru” style (which I somewhat understand). 

She's wearing a pink blouse with frills, a black mini skirt, and black knee socks, with her long black hair styled in twin tails. It's unmistakably a gyaru fashion. 

By the way, Yuri-san asked me to apply gyaru-style makeup for her.

We try out the costumes, going around two or three times. I've turned into a praise machine, clapping continuously like a toy monkey banging cymbals. Of course, I'm also taking photos with my DSLR camera.

The photos taken here are being posted on social media, and the members of Tristy-san's circle can view them. The feedback seems to be very positive.

“Yukito-kun, Yukito-kun! Look at this! Welcome, master!” 

Among the costumes, there's one that doesn't seem directly related. Tristy-san appears in a maid outfit. The monocle suits her too well. It can't be her personal item, can it?

“Wooooooow! This is absolutely amazing!” 

“Ehehe, yay!”

Tristy-san is innocently delighted, and the long skirt flares up as she twirls.

“The maid outfit… it's nice. You know, a reverse maid outfit might be something new, right? Make one later!” 

Yuri-san throws a challenge my way, but what does she mean by “reverse”? What should be reversed!?

But I haven't realized it yet. The situation is gradually starting to take a turn for the worse.

“Mio-san, you might be a bit hunched over. Stretching and loosening the area around your shoulder blades, or wearing a corrective belt on the day of the event might help make your posture look even more beautiful.”

Taking care not to make it seem inappropriate, I adjust Mio-san's upper body slightly to improve her posture. Walking with a beautiful posture surprisingly consumes a lot of physical energy.

“I'm just here to support Tristy today; I'm not participating myself.”

“Eh!? Mio-chan, come join us!”

“No way. It's not my style.”

“That's such a waste! You're so cute!”

I had forgotten that, considering the current situation, only Tristy-san is participating in this event. With everyone looking so beautiful, if everyone walked the runway, it would surely create a buzz. Indeed, my social media notifications are already exploding. Even her American parents seem to be excited, saying “COOL!”

“Hey, hey, what do you think of this?”

“It's perfect… hmm? It's so unfashionable it's laughable. It might reduce the benefits.”

“That's harsh!?”

I hesitated before giving praise. Goddess-senpai is wearing an outfit that's unidentifiable, a so-called “concept” outfit that is avant-garde but makes one wonder who could actually wear it. It's beyond my evaluation skills.

“By the way, why have your comments been like a messy hero interview?”

“I can only understand ‘perfect'…”

Yuri-san's criticism is very valid. It's not like I can express anything beyond that with my vocabulary! My aesthetic sense for fashion is overwhelmingly lacking.

“Hmph. Is it really okay to be like this when the real show is yet to come? Fine, I'll show you the true essence of Gyaru style. Brace yourself.”

“No thanks.”

“Absolutely free of charge.”

“Goddess-sensei, can we sue this person?”

“Well, you know… use protection.”

“Ha? I'll deny that.”

When Yuri-san in her Gyaru-style outfit says something, it's more powerful than a mere joke.

“Could everyone come here for a moment? I have prepared a special outfit.”

Yuri-san calls everyone and leads them to the changing room.

“Wait here.”

“Okay.”

With no other option, I start working on the design for the reverse maid outfit as requested. What does “reverse” even mean? Facing this philosophical question, I ponder deeply, but no one comes out even after a while. It might just be my imagination that I hear screams coming from the changing room.

Yuri-san finally shows her face after another five minutes.

“Sorry for the wait. It took a bit longer than expected.”

As I lift my gaze from the design sketch, there stands—

“What in the world is thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis!?”

Tonga is an island nation composed of around 170 islands, with Nuku’alofa, starting with the character “ぬ” (nu) in hiragana, as its capital. Knowing this might give you an edge in a game of shiritori.

I ended up revealing this trivial piece of knowledge in my shock, but when Yuri-san emerged from the changing room, she was completely naked.

No, that's not right. She was covered in patches of black vinyl tape here and there. That's all. I ended up spewing out my partially consumed melon soda.

“What part of that is fashion!?”

“Eh?”

“This time, I'm not intimidated by such imposing behavior! I've always thought Yuri-san lacked common sense. That so-called fashion is just….”

“It does exist, actually.”

“It does!?”

I was so surprised that my neck almost twisted 180 degrees. I nearly developed a severe crick in my neck.

When I checked on my phone, it turned out to be a real fashion trend. In fact, it was a recent innovation by a rising designer who had quickly become a star.

“So I was the one lacking common sense…?”

“That's right.”

“Sorry about that.”

“It's okay. I forgive you.”

The kindness flowing from Yuri-san felt like it was seeping into my very core. This must be sibling love…

“Don't look too much, Yukito-kun! I had no idea fashion shows were this harsh…”

Tristy-san, also covered in black tape (with minimal coverage), emerged next.

“Then why did you wear it!?”

Her face, and even her pale body, was visibly blushing. She looked embarrassed, but she's entirely responsible for this.

“Ah, even the sensible Tristy-san is being influenced negatively!?”

Though somewhat hidden, it's still not completely concealed. The large size is problematic. This can't continue like this!

A group covered in black tape continued to emerge from the changing room. It felt like a secret society.

“It's so breezy. I never thought it would come to this…”

“Mio-san, didn't you consider stopping when things went wrong!?”

“Well, you know, you're the son of my future employer, so I thought I'd flatter you a bit.”

“That's a surprisingly calculated reason.”

Mio-san also looked embarrassed. But why did they all end up in this situation despite the screams of dismay? Are these people all under Yuri-san's spell?

“It's amazing! This is the latest fashion!”

“Seems like Venus had a role in this.”

Was it really just a little? Goddess-senpai's sense of fashion seems to be off the charts. She might be a machine.

For some reason, Goddess-senpai received special treatment and wore white tape instead of black. It gave off a cinnamon roll-like vibe, draped in a white veil.

“Experience the grudge of not having a swimsuit episode!”

“What are you talking about!?”

It's terrifying. I can't even understand the words. Didn't we have one…?

“Goddess-sensei, please teach these people about morality—”

At this point, we need the adult and ethical Goddess-sensei to scold them.

“Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Even though she has a glamorous body, she had the smallest area covered by black tape.

“It’s sticking out, it's sticking out!”

It was almost visible—actually, it was visible. Is that okay!?

“I've caused you so much trouble, so this is like a thank you. Don't look so much.”

“Of course I'm looking!”

Staring intently. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“If you look at me with such intense eyes, my body's going to get all heated up♡”

“Ah, you’re drunk even though you haven’t had anything to drink.”

Goddess-sensei let out a self-deprecating, cynical smile.

“I wonder if this is what they call youthful indiscretion.”

“You're not that young, are you?”

“Do you want to be sued or something?”

She moved closer threateningly, but the overwhelming allure made me dizzy.

Right in front of me, Goddess-sensei's divine attributes were swaying. Apollo, pororon.

“Well then, you'll help me settle that matter, right?”

“Ah, would you like some of this concentrated 100% orange juice?”

“Fufu… fufufufufu… fufufu…”

As I tried to hand her the orange juice I had taken out of the cooler bag, a deep, rumbling laugh echoed. This is the end for me too.

“Ah, I see. Is that so? Understood. If you're so determined, then I'll go along with it. Since my dignity has already been shattered once, if you really want to see, I'll show you. This time, I'll do it right in front of you, not behind your back, so make sure to burn it into your eyes!”

She gulped down the orange juice in one go. Goddess-sensei's eyes were fixed and resolute. She was serious.

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!”

If I spilled it here, a second dignity collapse would be inevitable. I begged on my knees like a grasshopper.

“Hey, what are you doing, Kuon-san!?”

Goddess-senpai was holding her back in a bear hug. Go, go! I cheered her on.

“Let me go, Kyouka! Today, I'll make sure he remembers this thoroughly!”

As she drilled her fingertip into her forehead, I couldn't meet her gaze and stared blankly into space.

“Yukito-kun, Kozukata-sensei is really an interesting person, isn't she?”

“I used to admire her from online articles…”

I have to admit, this was entirely my fault. Normally, Goddess-sensei is a wonderful person.

I decided to mark it as an NG word and avoid any further mention of that topic. I'm really sorry.

After a bit of a commotion, we resumed the practice. I couldn't fathom why they didn't stop it…

I kept my eyes averted from the models walking the runway, including Tristy-san.

“I'm going to set the photo Yukito-kun took as my phone wallpaper!”

“Please don't! It would be impossible to show it to anyone ever again!”

There was no way I could post this on social media. In fact, it shouldn't even exist.

Determined to seal it away under a cursed stone for eternity, I continued with the photoshoot.

Thus, the century's fashion show continued to bustle with life, while I remained a lifeless observer.

“Then, let's have you announce the grand prize winner.”

A cheer erupts. Wait, do they decide the winner in this kind of event?

“You don't need to score anyone. Just choose based on your preference. Of course, it should be me.”

“Why are you so confident…?”

Yuri-san might have the strongest mental fortitude. I could definitely learn something from her.

Without any opposition to her sister's sudden declaration, everyone waited eagerly for the announcement.

“I've heard that back in the day, the relaxed generation would all win in sports day events by holding hands.”

“You'll have the honor of removing the winner's tape.”

“I don't know about Ghanaaaaaaaa!”

Speaking of Ghana, the capital is Accra, and it's famous for producing cocoa, the raw material for chocolate. However, the top producer of cocoa is actually Côte d’Ivoire.

But that's beside the point. At this stage, it's about appealing to my sense of conscience!

I attempted to persuade with a megaphone in hand. This was a crucial negotiation.

“Mio-san, if you do that, Leon-san will be sad. Is that okay?!”

“I prefer younger guys, so it’s not really my type. And international marriage is quite the barrier.”

“That's nonsense… to think an attractive guy could lose…”

“Besides, we can only have fun like this while we're in college ♪”

She said this like it was a final memory-making moment of youth, but wait, in this situation?

“This one here is a working person, but she’s excited.”

I looked at the goddess-sensei, but she was just a seductive beauty. I turned my eyes away.

“So, who's the grand prize winner?”

Without being able to hear who was speaking, the encirclement of Yukto and others were gradually closing in.

It seemed like the day of considering an escape abroad was drawing near. Maybe I should get a trunk case.

Oh, what happened next, you ask?

Naturally, my anger reached 373 Kelvin, and I gave them a serious lecture. I strictly commanded everyone to change immediately, and the fashion show (unofficial) ended in great success (except for me).

I was dragged into the shower room by those who insisted that the tape wouldn't come off! And, of course, it came off normally in the end! How awful. sniffle

---

“What's this?”

After finishing my daily run and returning to my room, I found a stopwatch on my desk that wasn't there before. I tidied up the mess of women's items that had somehow taken over the desk.

Examining the stopwatch closely, I pushed the button to start it, and it seemed like an ordinary stopwatch. I pressed it again to stop the count.

Could it be that Yuri-san was doing a ten-second challenge by herself? I'd like to think she wouldn't do something so lonely.

Well, I guess I'll do the ten-second challenge with her.

As I was thinking about this, I noticed a notepad placed alongside the stopwatch. It wasn't fancy; it had a simple design with what seemed like a woman's handwriting on it.

“Eh? A stopwatch that can stop time?”

What is that? A magic item or something? It looked like one of those mysterious items you see in games.

Maybe you need to obtain it to clear dungeons or defeat bosses?

Although it didn't make much sense, I kept reading the note, which seemed to be an instruction manual for this time-stopping stopwatch.

“Wait, seriously? It can actually stop time?—Could it be real!?”

It's a top-grade cursed object! Why is something like this in my room!?

Could it be that my mom or sister accidentally obtained it and now don't know how to dispose of it? I need to contact the foundation immediately!

We don't know what kind of disaster could occur. A stopwatch that can stop time is too dangerous for humanity. It's an anomaly that shouldn't exist in this world.

This time-stopping stopwatch must have been involved in many major historical incidents. It's extremely dangerous. Perhaps the world's assassination cases, large-scale terrorist attacks, or unresolved domestic incidents were caused by this stopwatch…?

While I was in a panic, the manual described the devil's temptation.

“Let's see… First, use it on the first woman you meet? You can indulge in your desires and play as you like. — How vulgar!”

This must be it. By using the power, the stopwatch likely absorbs people’s desires and restores its original power. It's like a cursed sword with its power sealed. Maybe a terrible monster is sealed inside this stopwatch.

If such a thing were to be released into the world, it would collapse the order of the world. National upheaval.

Imagining the dark future sent a shiver down my spine. The fate of the world was in my hands.

It's impossible. This is too much for an ordinary high school student. I need to go to an expert immediately—.

“Did you come back? Welcome home. Should I give you a welcome kiss?”

Click.

“Ah.”

I impulsively pressed the stopwatch button. Well, Yuri-san suddenly walked into the room. It's only natural to be startled.

Yuri-san, dressed in a sports bra and leggings that screamed fitness, must have been doing yoga or some other exercise. Sweat was gently beading on her skin, and her cheeks had a slight flush.

“Yuri-san? … Uhm, Yuri-san?”

My eyes widened in shock. Yuri-san’s movements had come to an abrupt halt.

So, the power of this stopwatch that stops time is real after all!

“This is a problem. Now I can’t resist if you play with me.”

“You’re talking, aren’t you?”

“………………”

“Just because you suddenly went silent doesn't mean I'm fooled.”

“………………”

She was still, but her eyes were blinking intermittently. Her breathing was completely normal. It seemed that while time stopped, vital functions remained active. How convenient.

“I wonder what extreme pranks might be done to me now.”

“I won't do anything.”

“So, I'm going to be humiliated by my little brother.”

“I'm not going to do that.”

“Exciting.”

“Even if you're looking forward to it.”

“Thrilling.”

“Even if you're sending sparkling looks.”

“Ha? You're going to do it, right?”

“Yes.”

I slumped my shoulders in defeat. There’s no doubt that the stopwatch is affecting Yuri-san in some way to absorb desire energy.

Normally, Yuri-san is a kind, pure, and virtuous lady, completely devoid of selfish desires. To think that such a great angel would be influenced by this stopwatch—I shuddered at the power of the time-stopping device. Yuri-san was merely an unfortunate victim captivated by the stopwatch.

Then, I realized something.

“Actually, you're talking normally, so maybe time isn't stopped after all?”

“………………”

“Acting like a fool who suddenly goes silent when things don't go their way.”

“………………”

Oh, right. There was something I wanted to ask Yuri-san.

“By the way, changing the subject, are there any specific things you want for the new house? Equipment or anything?”

The plans for the new house are progressing steadily, and with the surprisingly large land area, there's quite a bit of leeway.

So, from the original plan, I was refining and re-evaluating various aspects.

“Spear room”

“Spear room? …I see, like a weapon storage.”

Indeed, compared to a secure apartment, a single-family home might have inferior security features. Although a lance might be excessive, preparing a room with security items as a precaution could be one approach. As expected of Yuri-san. Family-oriented thinking.

“Anything else?”

“Create a hole in one of the walls.”

“Perhaps a super-artistic Tomason?”

“Not at all. It's a hole where a person's body can fit perfectly, with their buttocks getting stuck. You'll be the one—”

“Alright, that's done.”

I put duct tape over Yuri-san's mouth to silence her. It seemed like the cursed item required some kind of mischief to release its hold. But what kind of mischief should I do?

“Hmmm. Maybe I'll write something on her forehead with a marker?”

“Hmm hmm.”

“Even though time is supposed to be stopped, she's still reacting normally…”

“………………”

“Damn it!”

I stamped my feet in frustration. With my limited imagination, I could only think of simple pranks like a pitfall or putting an eraser in a classroom door.

I think the success rate for that eraser prank is almost zero—why is it so widespread? The person who invented it must be quite proud of themselves.

“I've started sweating, so I need to take off my clothes.”

“Finally leading me on from your side?!”

The duct tape was ruthlessly removed.

“………………”

“What, I have to take them off?”

“Nod nod“

“Impossible.”

“Ha? I'll catch a cold if I don't take a bath.”

“Too much!”

“What should I do? I can't move. What kind of punishment will I face now? How will my brother, who is usually so demanding, punish me? Yoyoyo.”

“………………”

“Stop being silent!”

“Yes.”

Sniffling. Am I really supposed to take her clothes off?

Yuri-san is wearing very light clothing. Taking them off isn't difficult, but the mental difficulty is high.

“Being unable to resist mischief is frustrating! This is a huge opportunity! A big chance!”

Encouraged by the motionless Yuri-san, I struggled desperately to escape this hellish festival while slowly lifting her sports bra.

“Wait!”

Why didn't I realize such an easy solution? How foolish of me. The cause of this disastrous situation is the stopwatch that can stop time!

Ah, what a relief. Then I just need to make time move again. I'm so glad I figured it out. Am I really that stupid? They say people's vision narrows when they're cornered, and it's true. This has been a valuable experience. I'll do my best to stay calm from now on!

“Sorry, sorry, Yuri-san. I'll make you able to move again now.”

Click.

“Just hurry up and undress me. I'm stuck. You come home from running and want to take a bath, too, don't you? Let's be friends and take a bath together.”

“Aaaahhhhhh! Is the stopwatch brokennnnnnnnnnnnnnn?!”

I slam the stopwatch onto the bed.

Ah, I've lost. It's my complete defeat. Okay, okay. Let's accept it gracefully.

After that, the broken stopwatch kept Yuri-san frozen, and I ended up undressing her and getting into the bath together.

By the way, as a side note, when I tried using the stopwatch on my mother who had returned from work, time stopped once again. There was no mistake. It was a genuine anomaly. The object class is Keter. And of course, we ended up taking a bath together.

“I will never use it again!”

I shout in frustration in my room, to no one in particular.

“Then I'll use it.”

Click

“Ah.”